Safety, Health & Welfare Information
Trinity College is committed to providing a safe and healthy educational, recreational and residential environment for all its new undergraduate and postgraduate students. This document summarises the essential information students need to know to achieve and operate within that environment. Please take a few moments to read this document carefully. Additional rules and regulations will be provided at School/Discipline/Unit level as appropriate. Further information or advice on any aspect of Health & Safety, Fire Safety or Environmental Protection can be obtained from the College Safety Officer at 01-8961914.
General Codes of Practice
All emergencies:- fire, gas leaks, serious injuries, hazardous chemical spills, and other serious potential hazards must be reported immediately to a member of staff, or in their absence to the Security Centre on ext 1999 (24-hour service). It is advised to put this number on your mobile phone as 018961999*
All fire alarms and drills must be observed by leaving the building promptly
All accidents, breakages and dangerous occurrences must be reported to a member of staff as soon as possible. All students must be supervised by a member of staff while engaged in educational activities. Working alone is not allowed under any circumstances. Study within buildings occupied by members of staff counts as supervision.
There must be no mis-use of any plant or equipment provided. This includes first aid kits, fire extinguishers, fire exits, fire alarm break-glass units or personal protective equipment. Means of escape from buildings (fire doors, corridors and staircases) must never be obstructed or locked shut from the inside. Severe penalties will be imposed if any fire alarm or escape provisions are interfered with. Smoking is not allowed in any College building.
Fire Safety
On hearing the fire alarm bell (a continuous ringing sound) you must:
- Leave the building immediately using the nearest exit route.
- Close doors behind you as you leave.
- Move away from the building entrance /exits.
- Report to the designated assembly point.
- Do not re-enter building for any reason until authorised to do so and fire alarm is switched off.
On discovery of any fire you must:
- Raise the fire alarm by breaking the nearest break-glass unit (red wall-mounted call points).
- Leave the building immediately using the nearest exit route, closing doors behind you.
- Inform a member of staff or the Security Centre on ext 1999 or mobile 01-8961999*.
- Report to the designated Assembly Point.
Any attempt to extinguish the fire should only be made after the alarm has been raised, and if you have been trained in the use of fire extinguishers. All students are asked to familiarise themselves with the location of relevant break-glass units and all exit routes in their most used buildings. Do not fight fire unless alarm is raised first.
Remember:
Do not take any personal risks.
If safe to do so, switch off equipment / make your area safe.
Do not use lifts.
Keep exit routes clear at all times.
Keep your area clean, tidy and clutter free. Remove rubbish regularly.
Note: on assessment of the incident, those assembled may need to be moved to an alternative Assembly Point location.
Sports Safety
Students are advised to receive proper training and instruction before engaging in sporting activities within College. Training in the use of the weights room is offered by staff of the Sports Centre.
Field Courses and Fieldwork
Off-site educational activities are carefully planned and organised prior to the event. All students participating in field trips will be required to complete a confidential medical questionnaire and certificate. Students must follow all instructions issued by members of staff.
Personal Security
There is a risk of theft of personal belongings in the city centre and in College. Students, therefore, should be alert to this risk. Never leave your bag unattended or out of your view. Avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuable items in your bag. Bicycles should be left locked in visible, secure public areas or in any of the College bicycle parks. Please respect all signage regarding the parking of bicycles. When on campus be vigilant at all times. Inform College Security (01 896 1317) immediately of any suspicious persons or activities which you may come across. Specific security advice can be obtained from the Head of College Security listed below.
Health Sciences and Engineering & Science Faculties
The nature of these faculties can bring students into contact with potentially hazardous chemicals, biological agents, machinery and equipment. Therefore, health and safety rules in these areas are particularly important to maintain a safe working environment. Students in these areas must:
- Read all School/Department/Lab safety manuals as supplied.
- Carry out all instructions as directed by members of staff.
- Neither interfere with nor mis-use any plant equipment, chemicals or materials supplied.
- Wear eye protection at all times when working in relevant science-based labs.
- Wear appropriate lab coats at all times when working in a science-based lab.
- Observe all displayed safety rules.
- Report all defects in plant equipment and materials to a member of staff.
- Never dispose of any chemicals unless authorised by a member of staff.
- Report any symptoms of ill health immediately to a member of staff.
When you first go to a building
- Make sure you know how to get out - look for ways out other than the main entrance.
- Note the location of fire alarm call points (break-glass units) - red boxes on the wall - these are used to raise the fire alarm.
- Know the emergency number - 1999 from an internal phone, 01-8961999* from a mobile phone.
- Don't be afraid to ask for assistance.
- If you injure yourself or feel ill, get assistance - First-aider contacts are displayed on notices in School/Department/Lab: you can contact the College Health Service on 01-8961556 or call the emergency number 1999 from an internal phone or 01-8961999* from a mobile phone. For further information please see our website www.tcd.ie/Buildings/.
* The emergency number may be different for off-campus College buildings, please check locally eg. TBSI is 01-8963999
When off campus
When off campus property the emergency numbers to use are either 112 or 999.
These numbers are free of charge but please note that they are to be used only in the event of genuine emergency!
College Safety Officer Ms Katharine Murray 01 8961914
Head of College Security Mr Michael Murray 01 8962648
College Health Centre Dr David McGrath 01 8961556
College Security Security Control Room 01 896 1317
College Security Emergency Line 01 896 1999